A business trip to Thailand nearly turned fatal for a Shanghai man after he reportedly developed a life-threatening parasitic infection believed to be linked to eating large amounts of raw seafood and consuming contaminated drinks.
The man survived after spending more than 30 days in hospital, where doctors battled severe intestinal bleeding, extensive bowel ulcers and septic shock.
Mild Symptoms In Thailand Became Life-Threatening After Returning Home
According to Thai media, the man experienced only mild stomach discomfort while in Thailand and initially assumed it was caused by drinking too many iced beverages.
As his symptoms appeared minor, he did not seek medical attention during the trip.
However, shortly after returning to Shanghai, his condition rapidly deteriorated.
He developed severe abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding before being rushed to hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with an Entamoeba histolytica infection, commonly known as amoebic dysentery.
Massive Intestinal Ulcers And Internal Bleeding
The man initially underwent surgery at another hospital, but his condition failed to improve.
His family was reportedly informed that his condition had become critical before he was transferred to the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre for specialist treatment.
Doctors said he arrived with a haemoglobin level below 6g/dL, indicating severe anaemia. He was also suffering from blood clotting abnormalities, widespread intestinal ulcers and repeated internal bleeding.
Due to the extent of the damage, doctors said further surgery was no longer possible.
After more than a month of intensive treatment, the man eventually recovered and was discharged from hospital.
Parasite Spread Through Contaminated Food And Water
Medical experts explained that Entamoeba histolytica is usually transmitted through food or drinking water contaminated with human faeces.
Eating raw or undercooked food significantly increases the risk of infection.
While many infected individuals experience diarrhoea and abdominal pain similar to ordinary food poisoning or gastroenteritis, severe cases can lead to:
- Large intestinal ulcers
- Internal bleeding
- Liver infection
- Septic shock
- Death if left untreated
Doctors urged travellers to exercise caution when consuming raw seafood and to ensure food and drinks come from reputable establishments.
Different From The “Brain-Eating Amoeba”
Health experts also stressed that the parasite responsible for the man’s illness is not the same as the so-called “brain-eating amoeba” (Naegleria fowleri).
Unlike amoebic dysentery, Naegleria fowleri is typically found in warm freshwater and infects people through the nose before attacking the brain. Although extremely rare, it has a fatality rate exceeding 96%.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s disease control authorities said deaths from amoebic dysentery remain extremely uncommon, with only 17 fatal cases recorded over the past 40 years.